CryptoProgram Review: Crypto trading Ponzi scheme
CryptoProgram fails to provide ownership or executive information on its website.
CryptoProgram’s website domain (“cryptoprogram.me”), was privately registered on October 28th, 2022.
Further research reveals CryptoProgram marketing videos featuring Ed Zimbardi.
Rather than just admit he’s running CryptoProgram, Zimbardi has created this backstory:
So this program has been going on offline … for decades. It’s only been private, offered to people that are in a specific network.
I’ve been part of it for quite some time and very excited about it, because it’s sustained itself for a long time. And there was no indication whatsoever, that it would be opened up to people, outside of the network.
Well, I enquired. Why did I enquire? Because I’ve been part of lots of high-risk, high reward programs that have come and gone.
I also know that the people I know behind the program, they make insane amounts of money. So it’s definitely possible to offer clients a big payout.
So I decided, to ask the people associated with this program on the back-end if they would… allow me to help them create this online program that they own. Because I wanna help people recover funds.
Zimbardi has a marketing history dating back to the early 2000s, specifically with lead generation.
In 2015 Zimbardi resigned as CEO of EZJR.
EZJR’s primary business is to improve the sales performance of brands, products and services by way of our proprietary eCommerce platform.
Our unique methodology minimizes the cost of generating leads and then maximizes the conversion of those leads into customers.
Between June 2015 and 2017 Zimbardi pitched himself as a marketing coach. In mid to late 2017, Zimbardi joined forex-themed MLM iMarketsLive.
In late 2018 the CFTC fined iMarketsLive $150,000 for committing commodities fraud. iMarketsLive quickly changed their name to IM Mastery Academy after the fine.
Zimbardi stopped promoting iMarketsLive on or around August 2018. After which he appears to have gotten into securities fraud and Ponzi schemes.
By his own admission, Zimbardi has “been part of lots of high-risk, high reward” scams.
Some of them offered tremendous rewards. Like doubling your account in twenty-two days. 3% per day, y’know five days a week. Just insane amounts.
I’ve lost a lot of money and some of the people that have followed me have lost a lot of money too.
This brings us to the launch of CryptoProgram in late 2022.
Of note is SimilarWeb currently tracking top sources of traffic to CryptoProgram’s website as the UAE (56%) and the US (36%).
Zimbardi’s social media profiles place him in the US state of Georgia. A high amount of CryptoProgram traffic from the UAE suggests Zimbardi has a partner or partners in Dubai.
Dubai is the MLM crime capital of the world. BehindMLM’s guidelines for Dubai are:
- If someone lives in Dubai and approaches you about an MLM opportunity, they’re trying to scam you.
- If an MLM company is based out of or represents it has ties to Dubai, it’s a scam.
To see how this specifically applies to CryptoProgram, read on for a full review.
CryptoProgram’s Products
CryptoProgram has no retailable products or services.
Affiliates are only able to market CryptoProgram affiliate membership itself.
CryptoProgram’s Compensation Plan
CryptoProgram affiliates invest in $550 packages, paid in either tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC).
This is done on the promise of 25% ROI, paid first after 32 days and then every 30 days.
Withdrawals, which include the initial $550 package investment amount, are only possible at the end of a ROI cycle.
The MLM side of CryptoProgram pays on recruitment of affiliate investors.
CryptoProgram pays referral commissions down two levels of recruitment (unilevel).
- level 1 (personally recruited affiliates) – $25 per $550 package invested in, thereafter $15 per 30 day ROI cycle
- level 2 – $6.25 per $550 package invested in and each subsequent 30 day ROI cycle
Referral commissions are paid up until the last month funds are withdrawn by recruited affiliates.
Joining CryptoProgram
CryptoProgram membership is free, however participation in the attached MLM opportunity requires an active $550 package investment.
CryptoProgram solicits investment in tether and USD Coin.
CryptoProgram Conclusion
CryptoProgram represents it generates external revenue via “goods and services” trading.
We are a group of people who specialize in applying an arbitrage strategy along dozens of different niches in the online world for the past 20+ years.
When you purchase a package, we use the funds to buy goods & services at one price then offer them at another price. This is called online affiliate marketing sending paid and organic traffic to purchase services when the opportunity presents itself.
That has created a long-term sustainable program for people who purchase package where they earn a fixed 25% USDT on their crypto month after month.
No evidence of CryptoProgram’s purported trading is provided.
Furthermore, the business model fails the Ponzi logic test.
Anyone capable of legitimately generating 25% a month on a consistent basis isn’t giving you access for free. In fact they probably wouldn’t be giving you access at all.
25% a month with even a modest starting capital soon turns into a fortune.
On the regulatory side of things, CryptoProgram’s passive investment opportunity clearly constitutes a securities offering.
While not much can be done about Dubai being a scam friendly crime haven, CrpytoProgram has ties to the US through Ed Zimbardi and the US being its second largest source of website traffic (geographic website traffic typically correlates with investor ratios).
Securities in the US are regulated by the SEC. Both CryptoProgram, Zimbardi and anyone promoting Crypto Program is thus required to be registered with the SEC.
While I can’t speak for every promoter, neither CryptoProgram or Zimbardi are registered with the SEC.
This means that, at a minimum, CryptoProgram is committing securities fraud.
Seemingly well aware they are operating illegally, CryptoProgram offers up this disclaimer:
As a private transaction, this program is exempt from the US Securities Act of 1933, the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the US Investment Company Act of 1940 and all other rules, regulations and amendments thereof.
The platform not FDIC insured. The platform is not a licensed bank or a security firm. Clients from the US are discouraged to participate.
Disclaimers like this are meaningless. You can’t just claim to be exempt from securities law and carry on breaking the law.
As to “clients from the US are discouraged to participate”, this is also a meaningless statement. We already know the second largest pool of investors in CryptoProgram are US residents.
MLM companies commit securities fraud when they aren’t doing what they represent they are doing. In the case of CryptoProgram, that is generating external revenue via “goods and services” trading.
With no verifiable source of external revenue, the only verifiable source of revenue entering CryptoProgram is new investment.
Using new investment to pay a monthly 25% ROI makes CrpytoProgram a Ponzi scheme.
As with all MLM Ponzi schemes, once affiliate recruitment dries up so too will new investment.
This will starve CryptoProgram of ROI revenue, eventually prompting a collapse.
The math behind Ponzi schemes guarantees that when they collapse, the majority of participants lose money.
Update 9th July 2023 – CryptoProgram has rebranded as Amsys.
Update 5th March 2024 – Ed Zimbardi has been arrested in the Netherlands.
CryptoProgram now seems to be becoming a favorite with NovaTech scammers and promoters.
Presumably because NovaTech scam days are numbered with withdrawal delays mounting fast.
Yes, all the ne’er do well “marketers” are jumping into this latest Ponzi.
Wayne Nash
Travis Bieberitz
Jamzee
Very profitable referral scheme if you have no scruples.
Money generated by advertising. Now where have I heard that before. 25% a month generated.
Really how can people be so thick! Oh and they will not show their spend to google or YouTube. Because it’s all crap!!
Matt Feast is now on it also.
Thanks for the review on crypto program. I thought it was a ponzi scam.
I can earn money from google ads YouTube ads Facebook ads. They all take fiat but I will only accept crypto. Oh and I won’t show you any proof. It works .. trust me.
I’m on their Facebook page and can’t believe how stupid some people are.
He wants everyone to show proof of withdrawals to convince others to invest.
A friend recently joined this, and is now trying to take his money out now he seen this.
He also checked the destination of where his investment went. Ed is using Bulksender.app to quickly send the USDT to 1000’s of addresses.
LOL, he is not spending it on any kind of advertisements.
Thanks for this article. Ed is a prolific scammer!!
He blocked me on a previous scam. Only a matter of time before he leaves USA.
Doing exactly the same crap as what Charles scoville did and he’s still in prison!!!
Keep up the good work.
I lost in his last scam.
I have reported him, and I’m getting my people who also lost. If anyone reports him to FTC, please quote this FTC Report Number 156188755.
I also have included this article (behindmlm) in my report with numerous facebook posts, youtube videos.
radaris.com/p/Ed/Zimbardi/
I will not rest until this guy is caught!!! SO much incriminating evidence.
The FTC typically tackles pyramid schemes.
MLM Ponzi schemes do have a pyramid component but are regulated by the SEC.
What’s funny and I don’t do any of these kind of schemes, but what is funny is that people like Darren are the worst types.
They had no problem with committing fraud if they would’ve made money. But when he didn’t make money now he wants to be a scam buster. Worst type of person.
They will scam you if they can get away with it and make money and when they fail in a program trying to scam others they want reparations.
Was introduced to this today from a friend in USA. Was very excited said it’s not crypto trading at all it’s advertising arbitrage.
I was very interested but decided to search on behind MLM and arrived here.
My enthusiasm has now somewhat wained and I sent my friend this report, not heard back yet.
People are blinded by these initial gains and willing to risk more and more capital. I hope this message reaches out to wider audience.
Their claims of scaling the profits to any levels is simply ridiculous. God bless those who are yet to recover all investment.
People think they are eliminating risk after 4-5 payouts but forget that they are putting into risk new people that they introduce to get referral rewards.
The ploy is perfectly setup to scam more and more people. Sooner people realize is better to bust these scammers from doing any major fraud.
I too was invited, but its all the same garbage and I explained to my friend its all a scam, and shown him Eds Previous scams.
I am on their facebook page and some of the people are so deluded. They start the compounding spreadsheet nonsense and they will all be millionaires in 1 year!!!
Good work BehindMLM.
After reading this article it still feels like an assumption with no real evidence of fraud/ponzi.
Does anyone have hardcore evidence that Zimbardi is a scammer? I haven’t seen any, nor did I find him anywhere promoting imgfx.
I’m really pumped to invest in this, but still holding off to make sure I do not find any proof against Zimbardi
You can verify yourself that neither CryptoProgram or Zimbardi are registered with the SEC. The Edgar database is publicly searachable.
MLM + securities fraud = Ponzi scheme. Ponzi schemes are run by scammers.
Reply to Barron Mendelson, hes scammed in IMarkets, and another forex one, there is also a facebook group called ‘Pamm Ed Zimbardi IMGFX Scam’ where they are collectively sharing information….
And come on, you really think he can pay out 25% profits on some fake advertising platform using google and youtube. He shows no proof, and GOOGLE and YOUTUBE don’t even accept crypto.
Oh and he can take infinite amounts of money to do this fake advertising!! lol
@Barron – if people stop purchasing packages, from where he will get money to pay those with hefty investment month after month?
Zimbardi is simply rotating USDT from new users/ new packages to old users. This model is eventually going to fail.
If at all you get your investment back and make some profit, do you really wish to fill your pockets with money from new users who will be making losses.
I would rather have some dignity and stay away and encourage others to stay away.
If Zimbardi doesn’t want to disclose his secret of making money thats fine. Get proof that he is deploying USDT in adworks and repurchasing USDT from ad profits for distribution.
Blockchain proof for same should be available which might prove he is really making profits and is real godfather to help people achieve financial freedom.
Nope. The blockchain is bullshit.
The only way to verify external revenue generation is via audited financial reports filed with the SEC. This is a non-negotiable legal requirement.
Nothing better than getting the business regulated by SEC. But bare minimum they can provide proof of blockchain. E.g. transaction on etherscan.
Whole idea of blockchain is to have transparency. If someone wants to fake transaction he needs to either get hold of all the validators who validate each transaction on blockchain or change the code which will fork out Ethereum which will not be Ethereum blockchain then.
Almost impossible to compromise blockchain with most advanced computer systems available today.
DuH bLoCkChAiN just shows stolen money being moved from point A to point B. It isn’t proof of external revenue being used to pay withdrawals.
There is no substitute for registering with the SEC and providing legally required audited financial reports.
At least that will prove they have sufficient USDT reserve for payout and they are not insolvent.
Except it won’t. Only audited financial reports will.
Blockchain can only prove that admins received stolen USDT, not the purpose.
If there are more USTD being sent out than deposited in to the program each month, that might proof that it’s not a Ponzi.
Possible. All I’m saying, there is no proof that he’s doing so, same as there is no proof that he’s not doing so.
I do google advertising for my company. I can show screenshots payments, spend, clicks, area of clicks so much google offer in terms of analysis without revealing what I’m advertising.
I spend €1,000 a month. No one would know anything about my advertising. But he wont show anything as it’s all nonsense.
He’s having everyone for a fool.
He spends more time on his damn passive income Facebook page than on his so called business. According to etherscan he should be spending $100k a day on these ads!!
Who remembers Charles schoville from traffic monsoon!!
@Peter
To what end? Ponzi scammers can exit-scam whenever they want.
Once you hand over your money it’s gone.
@Barron
No, that just means withdrawals haven’t inevitably exceeded new investments yet.
There is no substitute for SEC registration and legally required audited financial reports.
1. You can’t prove a negative.
2. You can verify CryptoProgram and Zimbardi are not registered with the SEC by searching their public EDGAR database.
MLM + securities fraud = Ponzi scheme. No exceptions.
With Blockchain it can be found out that the wallets he is using to collect USDT are not connected to any exchanges to cash out and use that for buying search strings.
If no USDT going out of CP program then it is obvious he is not investing it.
To what end? With the click of a mouse Zimbardi can exit-scam.
I know crypto is full of saps but when will it sink in?
Can’t believe it, some punters are saying they will be retiring soon as soon as they can buy more packages.
They really sold on this crypto program arbitrage bs.
They have plans to sell their CP merchandise now. They are doing all possible things to build trust and keep this ponzy going.
Zimbardi knows well that nobody will ever trust him after this fraud so making sure he generates enough fortune this time.
Despite of knowing the risk people are willing to loose their life savings. I am sure most of the investors would not know that withdrawals can be stopped by CP anytime and then money will be gone forever.
Net Inflows are slowing down and Outflows starting to ramp up…. Give it another 4 weeks.
dune.com/riskyfish/crypto-program-overview
I am sure the leaders will start moving out soon….
Where do you see this info?
dune.com/riskyfish/crypto-program-overview
Its simple. A true test would be that everyone withdraw their money on a settime and date. If you get your money they either are stupidly wealthy and want the rebound after proof or they will collapse instantly because they cannot pay what they dont have.
Never going to happen as most people know it will collapse and lose instantly.
Yes, its a Ponzi, its obvious. Those who get in early can make a buck but most people will lose as time goes on they decide to put in a Large sum of money because they already doubled or tripled their money and they throw it right back in larger than before and WHOOOPPP its gone. Exit with a paycheck. ( The scammers)
A much simpler test is MLM + securities fraud = Ponzi scheme. No exceptions.
i’ve lost thousands in these “seems to be too good to be true “ ponzi schemes. None have worked out.
Most last 24 months and gone. Way way too many red flags.
Hope i’m wrong but i’m betting 100% I am not!!! This house of cards will fall!
@Darren
He doesn’t claim that he runs business. He is lending money to the anonymous advertising business.
So I actually purchased a package two months ago and I’ve received a payout at the exact time frame that they promised in my crypto wallet.. both months.
I’m confident if I had purchased more I would have received 25% regardless, because my friend that referred to me did just that and also has been receiving a payout monthly. No pressure to sign up anyone else either.
Now, I’m not saying that this doesn’t have the potential to collapse at any given moment. But so far from my experience they have delivered on their promise.
Also, I could see how people could get greedy and continue to purchase packages with the money they make each month therefor, never really making a profit to actually pull out.
I’ll keep you guys updated!
Q: How to tell someone is new to MLM Ponzis?
A: bUt I gOt PaId!
Ponzi schemes pay out until they don’t. Early investors stealing money is meaningless with respect to confirming an MLM company is a Ponzi scheme.
Why has he not been shut down yet? It started almost a year ago.
Probably because CryptoProgram is full of “nUmBeRs On A sCrEeN!” denialists.
Once withdrawals inevitably stop then we see the complaints and regulatory fallout. The only recent exception to this was EminiFX.
I purchased 8 packages for $4400. I received $960 my first month. Withdrew my initial $4400 and then purchased 1 package for $550 with my $960 profit. Now I am in with their money.
(Ozedit: derails removed)
You claim this is a security they are selling. Do you even know what the hell a security is? First off to be a security it must be an investment. This program is not an investment. You are told this upfront that you are essentially loaning the money so they may fund more advertising campaigns. They share part of the profits with you for providing them with cash flow.
Just because YOU can’t see how the profits are being generated does not mean that profits are not being generated.
I will say the proof of all this will defintely be when they are no longer taking in more money than they are paying out. Eventually recruiting will slow down. Then it will be fun to watch web pages and people like you have to eat your words.
(Ozedit: offtopic waffle removed)
What you are told is irrelevant. tHiS iS nOt FiNaNcIaL aDvIcE type compliance isn’t a thing.
Securities under US law are confirmed via the existence of an investment contract. The existence of an investment contract is determined by the Howey Test.
You clearly know fuck all about securities law, so please sit down.
CryptoProgram is a Ponzi scheme, any generated “profits” are imaginary.
If there were real there’d be no reason for CryptoProgram to commit securities fraud and operate illegally.
If new investment isn’t required to feed CryptoProgram, why have it to begin with? Why not quietly run the money machine for yourselves?
You know why. I know why. Stop making excuses for scammers.
(Ozedit: derails removed)
You want to talk about the Howey test. Ok, let’s talk Mr Expert.
So, does CP meet this? No. 1) Is it an investment of money? No, it is a personal loan given. You are not entering into any kind of investment contract. First prong failed, meaning it doesn’t matter on the other 3 prongs.
2) Is it in a common enterprise? Let’s define a common enterprise:
Key word there is investor. CP is not an investment contract. It is not marketed as an investment contract. Yes, profit shares rely on the success of a 3rd person party. Prong number 2 failed as it is not an investment contract.
3) Is there an expectation of profit? Yes. We expect to be paid shares of the profits generated from the business activity. 3rd prong is passed.
4) Is profits derived from the efforts of others. Answer is yes. We depend on the people in the business to generate profits to share. Prong 4 is passed.
2 of the 4 prongs of the Howey Test fails. But there is one other critical thing, Mr Expert. The Howey Test is a test for (Ozedit: derails removed)
CryptoProgram is an investment contract as per the Howey Test.
If you want to talk about anything else in relation to the Howey Test, do it somewhere else – establishing an investment contract is all that’s relevant here.
CryptoProgram affiliates invest into CryptoProgram with a resonable expectation of profits to be derived from the efforts of others.
CryptoProgram affiliates invest by way of depositing cryptocurrency into CryptoProgram.
CryptoProgram affiliates expect profits because that’s how CryptoProgram is marketed.
“Efforts of others” is satisfied because generated returns are passive.
Conclusion: CryptoProgram is an investment contract as per the Howey Test.
Calling an investment a “personal loan” doesn’t change what it is. Every Ponzi scheme fails the Howey Test if you’re a disingenuous Ponzi bro.
Relevant SEC video on Ponzi bros in denial:
youtube.com/watch?v=fHQuooCiDUE
CryptoProgram has already received a securities fraud warning from BC, Canada. They were then ordered to cease trading after ignoring the warning.
Securities law is the same in every regulated jurisdiction. Either you’re registered and operating legally, or you’re committing securities fraud.
But please, keep pretending CryptoProgram’s passive investment opportunity isn’t a securities offering. Denial is part of the fraud.
How do we get this shut down, top ‘leaders” are making bank. Travis Bieberitz, Wayne Nash, Jamzee etc.
Ed Zimbardi is based out of the US. Securities in the US are regulated by the SEC.
The trading aspect of CryptoProgram might also see the CFTC get involved if enough complaints are received.
Did you have to sign up new people to make that money? Or can you make money without recruiting new sign ups?